African violets
Shipping African violets and other plants to satisfied customers world-wide since 1985
View our 'shopping cart' to see all of our African violets. Hundreds to choose from.
We're famous for our miniature and trailing African violet hybrids. All 'Rob's' varieties are proven, show-quality plants that grow and bloom readily, even under less than ideal conditions. They are bred to shape nicely, bloom continually, and typically will have unusually colored and larger than average-size blooms.
All of our African violets do well under either artificial or natural light. We also grow many standard-size varieties (actually more than we do minis!). Our 'Ma's' varieties of standard-sized African violets possess the same characteristics and have become favorites of both hobbyist and collector. We grow only superior varieties that grow and bloom easily. We have no interest in growing "problem plants". Most will also make excellent show plants for those interested in exhibition.
For basic growing suggestions for African violets, to the bottom of this page.
Mininiature African violets. We specialize in miniature and
semiminiature African violets. When mature, miniatures grow
to less than 6" in diameter, semiminis to less than
8". With proper culture, actual plant size can be much smaller in
practice. Because these are small-growing plants and have small root
systems, never use a pot bigger than 2 1/2" in diameter.
Pictured at left: 'Rob's
Scrumptious'
Trailing
African Violets have a naturally crawling or spreading habit. These
African violets produce branches or
"runners" which then often grow along the soil surface, rooting and
branching as they grow. They can be grown either as ground-covers or as
hanging plants. Though their leaf size will remain constant, the size of
the plant is limited only by the grower. Care is identical to that of
other African violets.
Pictured at left: 'Rob's Boolaroo', a Best in Show exhibit
Standard African violets are
those varieties that, when mature, will exceed 8" in diameter. In
practice, most grow to about 10-12". When grown for exhibition, they
can exceed 18-24" across. We grow only those varieties that we deem
superior to others in growth habit and bloom. These aren't your usual,
run-of-the mill supermarket African violets! Only their size is ordinary.
Pictured at left: Olive with a 'Best in Show' exhibit, 'Opera's il Straniero'
Chimera African violets are plants for which propagation by leaf cuttings will not produce plantlets identical to the original plant. These are typically the "pinwheel" blossomed varieties that show broad center and side stripes of different colors. These are quite unusual, genetically more rare, and can be propagated only by suckers. Care is identical to that of other African violets. Both miniature and standard chimera African violets are available.
Basic Care of African Violets
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Light. Adequate light is important for good growth and bloom. Try to provide bright, but not not, sunlight. If growing under artificial lights, place a two-tube florescent fixture about 12-18" above plants for 12-13 hours each day.
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Watering. Use room-temperature water. Water when the soil feels "dry to the touch".
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Feeding. A 'balanced' formula is best (relatively equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Avoid "bloom boosters". Use each watering, following the directions for that fertilizer.
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Atmosphere. African violets like the same conditions you do--moderate temperatures and humidity. If you feel comfortable, so do they.
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Soil. Use a peat-based, "soilless" mix consisting of at least 30-50% coarse vermiculite and/or perlite. Brand-name "violet soils" are NOT necessarily good for African violets! General rule: the wetter you keep the soil, the more perlite it should contain.
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Grooming. Exept for trailers, do not allow extra crowns (suckers) to develop. African violets should be grown single-crowned. Most African violets look best with no more than 5 rows of leaves.
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Potting. Repot all plants every 6-12 months. Most standard African violets, grown as a houseplant, will require a 4-5" pot at maturity. For minis and semiminis, us a pot no larger than 2 1/2" in diameter.
